1 God is truly good to Israel,especially to everyonewith a pure heart.
2 But I almost stumbled and fell,
3 because it made me jealousto see proud and evil peopleand to watch them prosper.
4 They never have to suffer,they stay healthy,
5 and they don't have troubleslike everyone else.
6 Their pride is like a necklace,and they commit sin more oftenthan they dress themselves.
7 Their eyes bulge with fat,and their minds are floodedwith foolish thoughts.
8 They sneer and say cruel things,and because of their pride,they make violent threats.
9 They dare to speak against Godand to order others around.
10 God will bring his people back,and they will drink the waterhe so freely gives.
11 Only evil people would say,“God Most High cannotknow everything!”
12 Yet all goes well for them,and they live in peace.
13 What good did it do meto keep my thoughts pureand refuse to do wrong?
14 I am sick all day,and I am punishedeach morning.
15 If I had said evil things,I would not have been loyalto your people.
16 It was hard for meto understand all this!
17 Then I went to your temple,and there I understoodwhat will happento my enemies.
18 You will make them stumble,never to get up again.
19 They will be terrified,suddenly swept awayand no longer there.
20 They will disappear, Lord,despised like a bad dreamthe morning after.
21 Once I was bitterand brokenhearted.
22 I was stupid and ignorant,and I treated youas a wild animal would.
23 But I never really left you,and you hold my right hand.
24 Your advice has been my guide,and later you will welcome mein glory.
25 In heaven I have only you,and on this earthyou are all I want.
26 My body and mind may fail,but you are my strengthand my choice forever.
27 All-Powerful Lord God,those who stay far from youwill be lost,and you will destroy thosewho are unfaithful.
28 It is good for meto be near you.I choose you as my protector,and I will tell aboutyour wonderful deeds.